Poachers in Namibia will face hefty fines, jail time or both.
The amendment to the law, which came into effect this year, will see any person found guilty of illegal hunting of elephant or rhino fined N$25 million (€1.57m) instead of the current N$20 000 (€1 255). Poachers may also face 20 years behind bars, 15 years more than under the previous law. Imprisonment can be imposed along with the fine.
Additional amendments include penalties for illegal hunting of any other ‘specially protected game’ (hippo, zebra, giraffe, klipspringer and impala). The maximum fine has been increased from the initial N$20 000 to a maximum fine of N$10 million (€627 000) with criminals also facing possible imprisonment. Jail time has been increased from five years to 10 years.
These penalties are for first offenders.
In the case of subsequent convictions for hunting elephant, rhino or specially protected game, the maximum fine goes up to N$50 million (€3.13m) and can be combined with imprisonment for up to 40 years.
